Photo courtesy of Faulkner Funeral Homes
Patricia Buckley Moss, widely known as P. Buckley Moss, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2024, surrounded by family.
With her departure, the art world mourns the loss of a talented and influential artist and philanthropist whose work and charity touched the lives and hearts of countless supporters.
Born on May 20, 1933, in Staten Island, New York, as the second of three children to Vincent William Buckley and Elizabeth Panno Buckley, Pat was raised in a house full of love and support alongside her sister Mary Martin and brother Daniel Buckley. Pat discovered her passion for art at a young age, and despite facing challenges related to her learning differences, persevered and pursued her artistic dreams. Pat graduated from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City, where she honed her skills and developed her unique style. In 2014 Cooper Union honored Pat as the inaugural recipient of the prestigious Peter Cooper Public Service Award, presented each year to a Cooper Union graduate who best exemplifies a life of service to the public.
Throughout her career, P. Buckley Moss became renowned for her distinctive artistic approach. Her paintings often depicted rural landscapes, barns, and idyllic scenes that captured the essence of the American countryside. Pat’s work was characterized by vibrant colors, intricate details, and a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
One of the defining features of Pat’s art was her use of the Amish and Mennonite communities as subjects. Referred to as The People’s Artist by American television journalist Charles Kuralt, she developed a deep connection with these communities and their way of life, which inspired many of her paintings. Pat’s portrayals of Amish and Mennonite families resonated with audiences worldwide, showcasing the beauty of simplicity, community, and faith. Those who loved Pat and her art were much more to her than collectors and fans. She considered them all to be her close friends and her extended family.
- Buckley Moss’s artistic contributions extended beyond her paintings. She was also a dedicated philanthropist who used her art to make a positive impact on society. Friends and art collectors shared her vision, and in 1987 the P. Buckley Moss Society was formed. To date, the Moss Society has issued 49,467 memberships. The Moss Society has and continues to be a compassionate force working together to make their individual communities better. Building on the Moss Society’s endeavors, she established the P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education in 1995, whose mission is to support children with learning differences, and promote the importance of integrating art into education. The Moss Foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of young people, reflecting her commitment to giving back to the community.
Over the course of her career, P. Buckley Moss received numerous accolades and honors for her artistic achievements and philanthropy. Her work was featured in prestigious galleries and museums around the world, and she was a sought-after artist whose pieces are cherished by collectors. Pat’s contributions to the art world earned her a dedicated following and cemented her status as an iconic American artist.
While P. Buckley Moss may no longer be with us, her artistic legacy lives on. Her paintings will continue to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the beauty found in everyday life. Moss’s impact on the art world and her philanthropic endeavors will be remembered as a testament to her talent and compassion.
Pat was a devoted mother of six and a cherished grandmother of ten. Her enthusiasm for travel, food and the many pleasures of life was shared with everyone she knew. She found joy in every person and place she encountered. Her adventurous spirit led her to spend significant time in Virginia and Florida, exploring the seashore, mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. Pat embraced activities such as skiing, windsurfing, sailing and had a lifelong passion for gardening.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her first husband John Gordon Moss as well as her son John Damian Moss. She is survived by her remaining five children, daughters Mary Donnelly (Kerry), Rebecca Ghezzi (Roberto), Patricia Moss (Mary Morgan), Virginia Moss (Corrado Gabellieri), her son Christopher Moss (Lisa) and her daughter-in-law Maureen Moss. Pat is also survived by her grandchildren Kate Harvey (Michael), Sarah Donnelly (Anthony Frate), Sean Donnelly, Sofia Ghezzi, Michela Ghezzi, Pier Francesco Gabellieri, Chiara Gabellieri, Kristina Moss, Diana Moss and Amanda Moss.
At a later date to be announced, Pat’s family will hold a ceremony to celebrate the life of P. Buckley Moss. In lieu of flowers, those who wish can send donations to the P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education, the American Cancer Society or the Glioblastoma Foundation. Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, Virginia is assisting the family.
